Pearson said the four-time grand slam winner and reigning French Open champion was now flying straight to Brisbane and would arrive on Friday morning, two days earlier than previously expected.

Sharapova revealed her injury worry on her Facebook page and said she pulled out of the one-off exhibition clash as a precaution.

‘‘For everyone in Korea, I’m sorry I had to withdraw from my exhibition match,’’ she wrote.‘‘I woke up the other day with a neck pain and, after doing a few tests, the doctor wants me to take the next few days without any playing.’’

The news comes a week after there were concerns about Serena Williams overcoming foot surgery to play in Brisbane.

Williams’ agent has also assured the 15-time major champion would line up in the strong women’s field which boasts eight of the world’s top 10, including top-ranked Victoria Azarenka and local hope Samantha Stosur.